Characteristics of Depression (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

4.3.1 Characteristics of Depression

Depression:

Behavioural

• Lowered activity levels/reduced energy
• Changed sleeping patterns
• Physical aggression towards yourself such as self harm

Emotional

• Constant low mood
• High levels of anger towards others and yourself
• Low self-esteem
• sadness

Cognitive

• Lack of concentration
• Selective attention towards negative events
• Absolutist thinking (jumping to irrational conclusions)